Ducere Foundation

An important reminder for some that Africa is not a country; it’s a continent of 54 countries that are diverse culturally and geographically. Africa is HUGE – about as big as the combined landmasses of China, the United States, India, Japan and much of Europe!

When people think of Africa, they probably think of its savanna's or the Sahara. While those ecosystems do make up three-fourths of the continent, Africa also contains mountain ranges, rainforests, wetlands, shrub-lands, coasts with coral reefs and barrier islands, and a set of great lakes, which include Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.

#‎literacyforafrica #‎readingmatters #‎behindthescenes #‎ACS

Being immersed in Lagos – a city of over 24 million with 50 per cent of the population aged 19 years or younger – was like no other experience. The major roads are like marketplaces, with vendors rushing into the pathway of oncoming vehicles selling everything from bananas to brooms. It is a city of bustle and noise, with women and men dressed in vibrant flowing garments with headdresses that give accentuated stature. There is elegance and beauty everywhere.

The Foundation worked with two schools, both in Ondo State. Luyepo Primary School is located in Epe and St Peter’s RCM Primary School in Odoragunshin.

The launch of the Nigeria Collection was an electric occasion. It was a formal event where the children performed their indigenous dances with alluring feather costumes that held our complete attention. The children were resplendent and the drums hypnotic, demanding that the audience move with the rhythm, while the children immersed themselves in the music and their moment.

Ducere is truly committed to improving children’s literacy and educational development through story in Nigeria, with support from the Australian Government through Direct Aid Program. It has a secure and concrete working relationship with the Lagos State Government through the State Universal Education Board, whose Executive Chairman attended the launch of the Nigerian collection.

This launch, which will never be forgotten by those who were in the company of the authors and their parents, is best described by borrowing words from the story written by Odiete Favour: "There was much excitement ... It was a really memorable day!"

Our Nigerian collections are available to purchase via our online store: https://bit.ly/3JtSitU (or via link in bio).

Ducere’s introduction to Nairobi was greatly encouraged and supported by the Australian High Commissioner at the time, His Excellency John Feakes. Staying in the Australian Embassy was a highlight, as it gave us first-hand experience of the interaction with the local community, while gaining a better understanding of the work of the High Commission across the international community.

Ducere worked in partnership with a number of wonderful schools and centres across Kenya, including Tenderfeet Education Centre under the extraordinary leadership of its Founder and Director, Mrs Margaret Nyabuto. A community-based organisation located west of Nairobi, Tenderfeet began with the sole objective of providing education for orphans and vulnerable children from the slums of Nairobi. Working with these children became a strong and ongoing focus for Ducere and its partners.

Read more on our website at https://bit.ly/42ng1o5 (or via the link in bio).